Baby psychomotor development

The first year, month by month

A rough guide to the most common milestones. Every baby develops at their own pace.

1. 1 month

   Adapting to the outside world

   Reflex movements, following with the eyes, responding to sounds.

   How to help

   Skin-to-skin contact and gentle sensory stimulation.

2. 2–3 months

   First attempts at movement

   Lifts their head, more controlled movements, first smiles.

   How to help

   Activities to strengthen the neck and trunk.

3. 4–5 months

   Discovering hands and feet

   Grasps objects, explores with their mouth, rolls from side to side.

   How to help

   Safe toys and hand-eye coordination games.

4. 6–7 months

   Rolling and creeping

   Rolls from back to tummy and back again, passes objects from one hand to the other.

   How to help

   Games that work on balance and stability.

5. 8–9 months

   Sitting and crawling

   Sits without support, crawls, babbles in more complex ways, tries to stand up.

   How to help

   A safe space to move around and explore.

6. 10–11 months

   First steps and independence

   First steps with support, more social interaction, imitates sounds.

   How to help

   Interactive play and learning through imitation.

7. 12 months

   Walking

   Walks without support, first words, pretend play.

   How to help

   Positive encouragement for first steps and support for language.